Capítulo 32: HoG - Chapter 32

Chapter 32: Backstab

Hearing the feeble cry for assistance, Byron closed his 'Spiritual Vision,' which had been intently observing the unfolding battle. His gaze lowered to Blood Eye Salman, who writhed on the ground.

Salman's bones were grotesquely hunched and misshapen, his skin a ghastly pale, exuding a corpse-like stench, stretched taut over a bulky skeleton. His hair resembled disheveled straw, and the gout stones, having swollen several times larger under Byron's persistent feeding, added to his terrifying appearance. Judging by Salman's current state, it seemed he was incapable of reverting to human form.

"Captain, don't worry, I'm here to help you," Byron assured, his hesitation fleeting as he helped Salman to his feet and onto the bed without a second thought. He appeared unfazed by Salman's pitiful and horrifying condition.

This act of kindness deeply touched Salman. 'This young man, who always considers the greater good, is indeed as reliable as ever. Even the hardest heart would yearn for such a loyal confidant. But after this inexplicable attack, the consequences of my transgressions have fully manifested, leaving me in a dire state. Only you, the finest chef I've ever encountered, can save me. I'm truly sorry, but I must consume you with a guilty conscience.'

Transforming someone into 'Transformation Blood' and utilizing them is undoubtedly the most valuable approach. Yet, Salman couldn't afford to wait any longer. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; taking advantage of Byron's vulnerability to devour him raw and regain some strength to save his own life was paramount.

Aloud, he said, "Byron, I know you are the most loyal person on the ship to me. Don't worry, your timely arrival tonight scared away the attacker and saved my life. I will definitely not treat you unfairly in the future."

As he spoke, a claw like an iron hook stealthily extended through the shadows toward Byron, who supported him.

However, the soft sound of a blade piercing flesh interrupted Salman's action. He looked down, astonished to see a shiny sword tip protruding from his chest.

"Hmm? Whose sword is this? Why is it here? How could my ghoul body be so easily injured by ordinary weapons?" It took several breaths for realization to dawn on him.

Finally, after a moment of disbelief, he swung his claw violently, his crimson eyes ablaze with the fury of betrayal. "Byron Tudor….!!!"

But Byron, who had been ready, nimbly dodged. Only the wall behind him bore the scars of four deep claw marks. Despite being severely injured in the battle with the 'Mirror Demon,' the strength of a second-tier 'Professional' 'Gourmet' was not to be underestimated.

Byron, however, showed no fear. He stopped three steps away, flourished his sword, and flicked off the foul-smelling ghoul blood. The reverence on his face had vanished, replaced by unconcealed killing intent.

"Captain, I've thought it over and decided to take what you're reluctant to give. And for the future of the Man-Eater Pirates, would you consider the greater good just once?"

In truth, Byron hadn't gone to the neighboring shipyard to oversee the work as he had claimed. That night, he drank cup after cup of coffee and tea, never sleeping. After gathering the elite pirates with a lavish feast, he watched the proceedings from another courtyard, his 'Spiritual Vision' activated.

He had even resolved to wait for three days and nights if the blood thief was patient enough not to act immediately. 'Magic Mirror' Wester, however, impatiently made his move that very night, inadvertently crossing paths with Salman and the pirates, who had taken the hit for Byron. Both sides were left battered and bruised.

Byron, using his extensive knowledge of the supernatural, confirmed that both parties were truly at their wit's end before making his move. Facing the severely injured Salman, he seized the opportunity of a lifetime. His eyes flickered with 'Spirituality,' and the 'Storm Signet Ring' reappeared on his hand. The ring, adorned with a storm dragon's head encircled by red roses, glowed with a cyan-blue light, which he pressed onto his left chest, over his heart.

Sizzle——! The scent of scorched flesh permeated the air as a dragon head emblem, shared by all 'Storm Knights,' materialized on Byron's skin. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he bellowed with fury, "The Blood Battle Ritual commences now!"

The promotion ritual for the Lighthouse Sequence 'Storm Knight' entailed:

Surviving a storm-level natural disaster. Choosing a maxim and achieving spiritual sublimation through continuous practice. Branding the ring's emblem on one's body and attaining sublimation in a blood battle centered around "plunder."

There was also a chance to inherit some abilities from the blood battle target. And the "plunder" target Byron selected was none other than his captain, Blood Eye Salman, who had been generous to him, often painting grand futures.

"You deserve to die!" Salman attempted to rally his remaining strength to strike at Byron. But an overwhelming sense of weakness consumed him, nearly causing him to collapse. Gasping for air, blood bubbles escaped his nose and mouth. The sword that had pierced his heart and lungs seemed not an ordinary longsword but a wondrous weapon of supernatural power.

This was the second term: 'Mortal Enemy.' The closer one was to a confidant, the greater the ability boost when backstabbing a superior. In a rebellion from below, one was not punished by the system's laws! The 'Ten Pirate Commandments,' the 'Iron Laws of Sovereignty,' and the 'Silver Laws' would all deem it legal. Without a backstab, a superior would 'loyally' take hits for their confidant, becoming increasingly plagued by misfortune and accidents.

In the eyes of the Man-Eater pirates, if Byron wasn't a confidant, who was? When he executed the backstab, he undoubtedly triggered the term's power boost.

Seeing Salman's pitiful state on the ground, Byron not only didn't approach to continue the assault but sheathed his sword and retreated seven steps back. Reaching for the two flintlock pistols on his chest bandolier—spoils of war seized with chili powder from a naval lieutenant.

Upon seeing this, Salman's bloodshot eyes narrowed, and he prepared to pounce on Byron like a beast. "Stop!" Despite his injuries, he retained the power for one last strike as a 'Professional' 'Gourmet.' If Byron engaged in close combat, he could turn the tide and devour him.

Unfortunately, within seven steps, guns are both accurate and swift. Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! After firing the double guns and continuing to draw and shoot, four scorching lines of fire drilled into Salman's head and chest. Boosted by the 'Mortal Enemy' term, ordinary firearms fired with the impact of 'Magical Weapons.'

Thud! Salman crashed to the ground, teetering on the brink of death, his spirituality seeping away. In his delirium, he saw the "chef" transform before his eyes and exhaled his final breath, "Liar! That's not swordsmanship! You're... not that chef!"

As Salman died, a wisp of bloody spiritual light detached from his body and merged instantly with the dragon emblem on Byron's chest. Whoosh! A powerful spiritual wind swept through, rustling Byron's clothes. The 'Silver Laws', like a vast net, reappeared above him, and with the blood battle ritual's victory, his supernatural career officially began!

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